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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting reckons senior duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future will depend on their performance in remaining two ODIs against Mitchell Marsh-led side. Kohli and Rohit have retired from T20Is and Tests but remain committed to the 50-over format as they intend to play in the ODI World Cup 2025. But Ponting has high standards for them. He pointed out that Kohli never lacks motivation and should give himself goals rather than waiting for the next ODI World Cup, resting on his laurels.
"The one thing I don't like hearing from anyone is that 'I've achieved everything in the game' because I think you still have to have some really short-term goals and not just be hanging on to try and get through to the 2027 World Cup," Ponting said on the ICC review.
"Virat's always been a highly motivated person. And I'd like to think that he's probably sat down and even just given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia and not be just waiting and killing time for that next World Cup to come around.
"What we know with both of those guys, at their absolute best, yes, of course they're in India's best team. But can they find their best between now and when that World Cup rocks around?" he asked.
"And that's only an answer that, like Ravi said, that we'll find out in a short period of time (during the series)," he added.
Shastri not in a mood to judge Ro-Ko in a hurry
Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri expects patience from them. He does not want people to jump to exclusions after just one unimpressive outing in Perth where there was extra bounce on offer. He wants them to enjoy their time on the field and bank on their experience to score.
"When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty. It's not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia, say, two days prior to a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away, especially when you have that extra bounce, and against quality fast bowlers.
"But I think only time will tell...I'm in no hurry to judge...it's about how much you're enjoying the sport and how much hunger is there and passion is left in you to play the game.
"So if you tick the boxes in two out of those three, especially the enjoyment part of it, then you can give them both time because they've got class, they've got experience...I'd rather wait than jump and judge immediately," said India’s 1983 World Cup-winning all-rounder.
Kohli, Rohit face challenge at Adelaide
Kohli departed for an eight-ball duck to Mitchell Starc whereas Rohit was taken by surprise as Josh Hazlewood generated extra bounce to get him caught in the slip cordon. The India top-order batters will have a point to prove as they step on the field at Adelaide Oval in the second ODI of the series on October 23.
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